SUCCESS!! Our robot can swim! Today we did our final tests on all the electrical connections. All was in working condition, so we started "waterproofing" the robot. With any luck, the term "waterproof" will hold true! So far, so good!First, we applied epoxy to all the electrical connections and any area where we were concerned about "wear" on the tether. Once the epoxy had dried, we placed the robot in a large bucket of water. Much to our delight, the image on the DVD player was quite clear!
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Paige and Cody apply some epoxy!
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Jeremy and Nick apply some epoxy!
We "officially christened" the robot "SCUBA DOOBA DOO"; this seemed appropriate as this robot will be working with a diving team.
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Maddie makes the name official!
Being a seaside community, we are quite familiar with the tradition of breaking a bottle of champagne on a vessels maiden voyage. We modified this tradition and sprayed our robot with 7-Up instead!
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"First Contact" - with water! Paige lowers the robot! (notice the orange life-ring in the background!)
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A modified tradition! We spray the 7-Up!
We have underwater imaging!
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Cody checks out the first underwater image - that's a plastic penguin if anyone is interested!
Next, we tested the props. As soon as we turned the "lift" prop on, it started spinning - we had a moment of elation, ... and then the prop spun right off the robot! OOPS! We put "SCUBA DOOBA DOO" back in "dry dock" momentarily to adjust the propellers. After tightening all the prop blade connections, we re-submerged and all was well!
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This puppy has some power!
We adjusted the buoyancy on the main frame, but we still need to add buoyancy to the tether. We just happen to be going on class trip to a lake for three days, so we will apply the tether buoyancy there!
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SCUBA DOOBA DOO rests comfortably, neutrally buoyant, in the water!
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Josh, Nick, Maddie, Paige, and Chloe introduce SCUBA DOOBA DOO to it's Antarctic destination! (Several robot group members are missing from this photo)
I am VERY proud of the dedication, determination, and enthusiasm of this group! Job well done everyone!
The fun will continue at the lake!